How to Actually Make an Age Gap Relationship Work

August 16, 2016

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By James Preece

While the average age gap in a relationship in the UK is just two years, larger age gap relationships are becoming increasingly common. Finding a match is never predictable. In fact, it might happen that you click with someone completely unexpected. Like someone significantly older, or younger. However, while this can certainly be fun, it can also be problematic. Here is my expert dating advice to make sure that you are able to overcome the hurdles that come with an age gap and make your relationship last.

Be Open

When you are involved with someone significantly older, or younger, than you are, there is a lot of opportunity for new experiences. Both of you will be able to offer a wide variety of enhancements into your relationship that someone of similar age may not be able to. This might be life experience, a sense of adventure, financial security, or something particularly emotional.Whatever it might be, the more open you are, the more you’ll be able to embrace and connect over it. The secret is to find things is common so that the more time you spend together, the stronger you’ll become.

Respect Each Other

If there’s an age difference between you and your partner, then chances are you are each used to living a certain way. In a situation like this, it’s important that you try to see things from your partner’s perspective as often possible. What is important to you may not be so important to them. Something that upsets your partner might simply confuse you. This is why you must talk to each other as openly as possible. Show your partner that you respect and value him or her instead of leaving it to chance.

Work Through Your Differences

If your age difference spans across generations, chances are you’re going to naturally gravitate toward different things. One of you might be less knowledgeable on historical or cultural topics, while the other might enjoy a livelier nightlife. If you see vast differences in your interests and hobbies, you should take enjoyment in teaching each other new hobbies and facts in order to let your relationship grow and flourish. Find a balance that suits you both, and know that compromise is essential here.

Be Realistic

If you want to make sure that the relationship stands for the long run, you both need to be absolutely clear about your intentions. Are you both looking for the same things in life? Different life stages bring different hopes and expectations. If one of you wants to settle down but the other just wants to play, then you need to accept this right from the start. Otherwise you’ll be setting yourself up for disappointment.

Ignore Negative People

There will always be people – perhaps family or friends- who will advise you to break up. They’ll focus on the bad things and tell you that you aren’t right for each other. This could be for a variety of reasons such as jealousy or not wanting to see you get hurt. Only the two of you really know if you stand a chance of making things work for the long-term. Don’t be swayed by someone else’s opinion, especially if you are happy.

Life is short, so if you meet someone you really connect with then you should absolutely try to give it your best shot.

I hope you found this advice useful. You can find more dating advice and tips on our website here.

About James Preece

James Preece is the Dating Guru. As the UK's leading Dating Expert and Dating Coach he is a consultant for many dating sites and is involved in a wide variety of different areas, such as personal dating coaching, Online Dating, speed dating and matchmaking. His online dating guide "I Will Make You Click" is an Amazon best seller, reaching number one on the relationships category. He is a regularly featured in top UK and international media: such as the Independent, Cosmopolitan, FHM, and Men’s Health, amongst many more. Learn more here

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